SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by
Humane Farming Association:
Over the vehement protests of informed animal activists and concerned
citizens, California's sole foie gras producer, the notorious Sonoma Foie Gras
company, has successfully passed SB 1520 by Senator John Burton.
As a result, California has become the first state in the nation to
explicitly legalize the torturous practice of force-feeding ducks and geese to
produce foie gras.
For promotional purposes, some have attempted to portray SB 1520 as a
"victory" for animals. But, as noted in press reports, "The state's lone
farm engaged in the practice, Sonoma Foie Gras, also hailed it as a victory."
It is easy to understand the industry's jubilation.
In addition to protecting Sonoma Foie Gras for the next 7 1/2 years from
being criminally prosecuted under the state's existing animal cruelty laws,
SB 1520 also takes away the rights of citizens to bring civil lawsuits against
the company for its force-feeding practices. And it effectively eliminates a
lawsuit that is currently pending against the company. These are just some of
the reasons why Sonoma Foie Gras went so far as to hire a lobbyist to secure
the bill's passage.
Proponents would like people to believe that SB 1520 "bans" foie gras.
Governor Schwarzenegger's official statement on this legislation, however,
dispels any such notions:
"SB 1520 does not ban the food product, foie gras," Governor
Schwarzenegger stated upon signing the measure. "This bill provides 7 1/2
years for agricultural husbandry practices to evolve and perfect a humane way
for a duck to consume grain to increase the size of its liver through natural
processes. If agricultural producers are successful in this endeavor, the ban
on foie gras sales and production in California will not occur."
"This legislation is about the financial, political, and organizational
interests of the people involved," said Bradley Miller, national director of
the Humane Farming Association. "What has been completely lost are the
interests of the ducks that are being tortured right now -- and for years to
come. There is nothing, not one single thing, that alleviates their
suffering. This morally bankrupt legislation only adds insult to injury."
CONTACT: Bradley Miller
415-485-1495

SOURCE Humane Farming Association

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by
Humane Farming Association:
Over the vehement protests of informed animal activists and concerned
citizens, California's sole foie gras producer, the notorious Sonoma Foie Gras
company, has successfully passed SB 1520 by Senator John Burton.
As a result, California has become the first state in the nation to
explicitly legalize the torturous practice of force-feeding ducks and geese to
produce foie gras.
For promotional purposes, some have attempted to portray SB 1520 as a
"victory" for animals. But, as noted in press reports, "The state's lone
farm engaged in the practice, Sonoma Foie Gras, also hailed it as a victory."
It is easy to understand the industry's jubilation.
In addition to protecting Sonoma Foie Gras for the next 7 1/2 years from
being criminally prosecuted under the state's existing animal cruelty laws,
SB 1520 also takes away the rights of citizens to bring civil lawsuits against
the company for its force-feeding practices. And it effectively eliminates a
lawsuit that is currently pending against the company. These are just some of
the reasons why Sonoma Foie Gras went so far as to hire a lobbyist to secure
the bill's passage.
Proponents would like people to believe that SB 1520 "bans" foie gras.
Governor Schwarzenegger's official statement on this legislation, however,
dispels any such notions:
"SB 1520 does not ban the food product, foie gras," Governor
Schwarzenegger stated upon signing the measure. "This bill provides 7 1/2
years for agricultural husbandry practices to evolve and perfect a humane way
for a duck to consume grain to increase the size of its liver through natural
processes. If agricultural producers are successful in this endeavor, the ban
on foie gras sales and production in California will not occur."
"This legislation is about the financial, political, and organizational
interests of the people involved," said Bradley Miller, national director of
the Humane Farming Association. "What has been completely lost are the
interests of the ducks that are being tortured right now -- and for years to
come. There is nothing, not one single thing, that alleviates their
suffering. This morally bankrupt legislation only adds insult to injury."
CONTACT: Bradley Miller
415-485-1495
SOURCE Humane Farming Association